Rick is a Germanic short form of Richard — from ric (ruler, power) and hard (brave, hardy) — compressed into a single syllable that sounds like someone's uncle. For a male dog, the name operates in the same territory as Gabe, Ron, and Steve: comfortable human first names that read as companionable rather than conceptual.
The Rick and Morty Layer
Rick Sanchez from Rick and Morty (2013–present) is one of the most culturally visible animated characters of the past decade : a nihilistic genius who loves his grandson despite himself. For owners who grew up with the show, naming a dog Rick carries the character's sardonic intelligence and complicated warmth. A dog named Rick who is both genuinely clever and slightly inconvenient fits the character well. Compare Morty for the anxious sidekick reading.
The Straightforward Human-Name Read
Rick is also simply a human name — common in the 1950s through 1980s, associated with a particular generation of American men. On a dog, it reads as uncomplicated familiarity. The human name Richard is the formal root; Rick is the version people actually use. Beagles and mixed-breed dogs with an easy, sociable temperament suit it naturally.
The Counter-Reading: Forgettable by Design
Rick generates almost no reaction as a pet name — which is either exactly what the owner wanted or a missed opportunity depending on their naming philosophy. The name carries warmth without drama, familiarity without cliche, which is more than adequate.